Label-attaching machine.



No. 805,428. PATENTED NOV. 21, 1905. G. c. SIEM.

LABEL ATTAGHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 1330.19. 1904.

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Inventor Httomegs No. 805,428. PATENTED NOV. 21, 1905. G. 0. SIEM.

LABEL ATTAGHING MACHINE.

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APPLICATION FILED DEG. 19, 1904.

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S W i No. 805,428. PATENTED NOV. 21, 1905. G. 0. SIEM.

LABEL ATTAGHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEG.19. 1904.

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1 Eg m: mlnmuae Q 2% Inventor. @[M W Attorneys UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PHOENIX-AMERICAN PIPE WORKS,

OF WASHINGTON, MISSOURI.

LABEL-ATTACHING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 21, 1905.

Application filed December 19, 1904- Serial No. 237,514.

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, GUSTAV CHRISTIAN SIEM, a citizen of the United States, residing at Washington, in the county of Franklin and State of Missouri, have invented a new and useful Label-Attaching Machine, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates'to label-attaching machines, and is designed more particularly for the purpose of applying labels to pipes and other articles.

One object of the invention is to construct a label-attaching machine by means of which pipes or other articles previously supplied with an adhesive are forced against a body of labels, the latter being removed one by one from the receptacle or reservoir in which they are contained.

A further object of the invention is to provide novel feeding means for presenting the pipes to the label-reservoir.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel means for maintaining the end label at the mouth of the reservoir in position to be engaged by the pipe.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel form of adhesive-applying mechanism which will be automatically moved out of the way by engagement with the pipe.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a label-attaching machine with means for directing a currentof fluid, preferably air, against the label after the same has been placed in position and utilizing the force or pressure of the fluid to press the label against the article.

A still further object of the invention is to provide alabel-attaching machine with a pressure means that will conform to any irregu: larities in the surface to which the label is attached and exert equal force on all of the parts of the label with which it comes into contact.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a label-attaching machine with means for directing a jet or blast of fluid under pressure against the label and drying or evaporating the moisture in the adhesive while pressing the label firmly against the article to which it is applied.

With these and other objects in view, as will more fully hereinafter appear, the invention consists in certain novel features of construction and arrangement of parts, hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportions, size, and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings, Figurel is an elevation of a label-attaching machine constructed in accordance with the invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 3 is an elevation, partly in section, of the adhesive-applying means. Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional elevation of the machine on the line 4 4 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, showing the pipe-carrying mandrel, the label-magazine, and the air-blast pipe. Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional elevation of the same on the line 6 6 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an end elevation of one of the labelmagazines. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a pipe, showing a label in position thereon.

Similar numerals of reference are employed to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

The machine forming the subject of the present invention while capable of general use is intended more especially for attaching labels to the bottoms of corncob pipes. It is usual in the manufacture of these pipes to attach to the bottom of each a label bearing the name of the maker, said label being of a diameter suflicient to fully cover or protect the pith which forms the central portion of the bottom of the pipe. This operation is accomplished at the present time by hand, but proves a source of considerable expense.

The various Working parts of the machine are supported on a suitable frame .10, including end standards 11. The upper bars of the frame are provided with longitudinally-disposed guide-bars 12, carrying a longitudinally-movable table or slide 13. To this table or'slide is secured astandard 14:, from the opposite ends of which project mandrels 15, on which the pipes are placed.

Pivoted to the standards 16 near the opposite ends of the table are pipe-gripping jaws 17, that normally are held in open position by springs 18, the ends of the jaws being in the form of arms 19, having rounded portions forming cam-faces that engage with guidingbars 21, carried by a stationary portion of the fixed frame. The gripping-jaws are preferably rounded and are so arranged with respect to the mandrel as to engage a pipe placed thereon. As the table is reciprocated the ends of the arms 19 will be engaged with the guides 21, and the jaws will be pressed upon the pipe during movement of the table toward thelabel-magazine. Movement in the opposite direction will result in the travel of the arms beyond the ends of the guides, whereupon the springs are free to open the aws.

At each end of the machine is a standard 23, carrying a horizontal bar 24, on which is mounted a longitudinally-adjustable labelreservoir 25. This reservoiris provided with a pendent boss 26, from which extends a screw 27 The boss extends through a groove or slot 28 in the bar, and on the outer threaded end of the screw is placed a thumb-nut 29 to permit locking of the reservoir in any position of adjustment.

The labels are first placed within a tubular casing 30, that is provided at one end with a flange 31, and at the opposite end is a number of inwardly-extending tongues or fingers 32, which pass inwardly over the end label and prevent accidental discharge of said labels from the reservoir. By using the tube 30 the labels may be packed firmly in the case and the latter quickly adjusted to position within the magazine proper whenever necessary.

In each of the reservoirs fits a plunger 33, that preferably is provided with a rounded portion at the end where it engages with the labels, so that the latter will be slightly dished or curved transversely, the central portion of the end label being projected in convenient position to be engaged by the pipe or other article to which it is to be attached. The opposite end of the plunger 33 is secured to a cross-bar 34, and the latter is connected to counterweighted chains or cords 35, that pass over suitable guiding-sheaves 36 on the standards. The weights 37 are sufiicient to move the plungers forward and maintain the end label at the discharge end of the magazine.

To each of the reservoirs 25 is secured a spring catch 38, with which the pipe engages, the catch passing over the end of the pipe and holding the same when the direction of movement of the mandrel is reversed. The catches serve as strippers and prevent rearward movement of the pipe after the labels have been applied thereto.

Immediately in advance of each of the label-magazines is arranged a reservoir 40, containing glue, paste, or other suitable adhesive material. This reservoir is approximately V shape in form and is suspended by a pair of rods from a transversely-disposed cross-bar 41, carried by standards 42. One of the rods 43 is provided with openings for the reception of a pair of pins 44, projecting from one side of the reservoir. The opposite rod 45 is formed in two sections hinged together, the lowermost section having openings for the passage of pins 46, projecting from the opposite side of the reservoir, and the two suspension-bars are held in proper position by alatch 47, pivoted to one bar and engaging a pin or screw projecting from the other. The construction permits of the ready removal of the reservoir for cleaning or refilling when necessary. At a point in alinement with the path of movement of the pipes and adapted to be engaged thereby is a yieldable disk 48, that preferably is formed of textile material woven sufficiently close to prevent the ready flow of the adhesive therethrough, but of such nature that it will absorb the adhesive and maintain on the outer side a quantity of adhesive sufficient to coat the ends of the pipes therewith. This disk is held outward or slightly bulged by the weight of the glue or other material within the reservoir. At a point below each disk the reservoir is supplied with a rounded lug or projection 49, with which the pipes engage as they pass under said reservoir, this serving to prevent contact of the adhesive-carrying disk with the sides or top of the pipe. To each of the cross-bars 41 is secured a rocker-arm 50, that is connected by an adjustable spring 51 to a rigid arm 52, carried by the standards 42. This spring serves to hold the reservoir in position, but yields to permit the tilting of the reservoir as the pipes pass thereunder.

Immediately under each of the strippers 38 is a chute 51, into whichthe pipes fall when the labels have been applied thereto. This chute leads to a cylindrical casing 53, through the central portion of which passes a shaft 54, and at one side of the casing is an opening 54. On the shaft is mounted a wheel 55, having a plurality of peripheral recesses 56 for the reception of the pipes, and after the pipes pass through said casing they are guided by a second chute 57 to a packing-box or other receptacle. On each shaft 54 is secured a ratchet-wheel 58, the ratchet-wheels having teeth facing, respectively, in opposite directions, and with these ratchet-wheels engage two pawls 60 and 61, both of which are mounted on a cross-bar 62 on one of the shafts. To the cross-bar 62 is connected the upper end of a rod 63, the lower end of which is connected to a rocker-arm 64, carried by a transversely-disposed rock-shaft 65,journaled in bearings at the lower portion of the frame. On the rock-shaft 65 is also mounted an arm 66, the upper endof which carries a pin or antifrietion-roller 67, entering a slot in the bracket 68, that depends from the longitudinally-movable table 15. At a point intermethe pipe the latter falls to the cylindrical cas diate the length of the arm 66 is pivoted one end of a link 69, the opposite end of which is connected to a crank 70 on the shaft 71. The shaft 71 carriesa gear 72, that intermeshes with a pinion 73 and main driving-shai't74, the latter being provided with a suitable beltwheel 75 for the transmission of power.

At a point to one side of each of the cylinders 53 is arranged the open end of a pipe 76, through which a current of air or other fluid is directed and impinges on the label ends of the pipes. This air-blast forms a yieldable pressure-cushion that will force the label firmly against the bottom of the pipe without regard to any irregularites in the surface, and the label will be firmly attached and held in place, while at the same time the air-blast, which may be heated, serves to evaporate the moisture in said adhesive material. At the discharge end of the air-blast pipe is a suitable valve 77, which may be moved to opened or closed position, as desired;

In the operation of the machine pipes are supplied alternately to the mandrels, and as the slide moves in one direction one of the sets of arms 19 will be engaged by a set of guides 21 and the jaws 17 will be moved into engagement with the pipe. The pipe will then be carried into contact with the disk 48 and receive a supply of adhesive material. As the movement of the pipe continues it will pass under the adhesive-reservoir, the reservoir being tilted, and as the upper edge of the pipe moves over the surface of the disk the application of a sufificient quantity of adhesive to the pipe is insured. In order to prevent the spreading of any adhesive material on the top of the pipe, the lug or projection 49 is provided, such lug being engaged by the pipe immediately after the latter passes from contact with the disk 48. The pipe is presented to the label-magazine, and as the end label is slightly bulged its central portion will be immediately caught by the adhesive material. As the mandrel moves to the rear the label will be withdrawn from the fingers 32, and then the pipe will come into contact with the catch 38 and the latter, serving as a stationary stripper, will hold the pipe while the mandrel retreats. As soon as the mandrel has cleared ing 53 and enters one of the pockets 56 of wheel 55. The latter is rotated one-eighth of a revolution, presenting the pipe in front of the air-blast, and the latter is of sufficient strength to force the label firmly against the heated in order to evaporate the moisture. The two pawls 60 and 61 act alternately in impacting movement to the wheels 55.

It is obvious that while the machine is intended more especially in applying labels to the ends of pipes it may be used to advantage in labeling other articles and that the combined label pressing and drying air-blast may I be used on many machines of different type for attaching labels, postage-stamps, and the like without departing from the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is 1. In a label-attaching machine, means for attaching a label to an article, a nozzle, means for forcing a jet of air therethrough, and means for conveying the labeled article to a position in alinement with the nozzle and for momentarily stopping the same in such position. 1

2. In a label-attaching machine, a labelmagazine having a discharge-opening at one end, an article-receiving mandrel, means for moving the same toward and from the labelmagazine, and an adhesive-supplying device with which the article engages during its movement toward the magazine.

3. The combination with a label-holder, of an article-carrier, and an adhesive-supplying device arranged in the path of movement of said article-carrier and movable to inoperative position by engagement with said article.

4. The combination with a label-holder, of an article-carrier. means for moving said carrier toward and from the holder, and an ad-.

hesive-su pplying means with which the article engages in advance of its arrival at the holder, said adhesive-applying means being movable to inoperative position by engagement of the article therewith.

5. The combination with a label-holder, of an article-carrier, and a movable adhesivesupplying device in the path of movement of the article, said adhesive-applying means being movable to inoperative position by engagement of the article therewith.

6. The combination with a label-holder, of an article-carrier, means for moving the same toward and from the label-holder, and aswinging adhesive-supplying device with which the article engages in advance of its arrival at the label-holder, said ad hesive-applying means being movable to inoperative position by'engagement of the article therewith.

7. The combination with a label-holder, of an article-carrier, means for moving the carrier toward and from the holder, and a swinging ad hesive-supplving device with which the article engages, and by which said device is moved to inoperative position during movement of the carrier toward the label-holder.

8. The combination with a label-magazine having a discharge-opening, of a pipe-carrying mandrel, means for moving the'same toward the discharge end of the magazine, and a stripper for removing the pipe from the mandrel.

9. The combination with a label-magazine having a discharge-opening, of a mandrel movable toward and from said magazine, and a yieldable stripper for engaging the pipe and removing the same from the mandrel.

10. The combination with a label-magazine having a discharge-opening, of a pipe-carrying mandrel, means for moving the same toward and from the magazine, a stripper carried by the magazine, and a swinging adhesive-supplying device disposed in the path of movement of the mandrel.

11. The combination with a label-magazine open at one end and provided with label-engaging fingers, of means for feeding labels toward the opening, a pipe-carrying mandrel movable toward and from the magazine, and means for supplying an adhesive to the pipe.

12. A label-magazine including an outer cylindrical casing, and a removable tube supported thereby and adapted for the reception of the labels, said tube having label-engaging fingers at one of its ends.

13. In a label-attaching machine, a labelmagazine, a swinging adhesive-supplying device, a pipe-carrying mandrel, and means for moving said pipe-carrying mandrel to force the pipe first into contact with the adhesivesupplying device, and then with the magazine.

14:. In a label-attaching machine, an adhesive-supplying device including a pivotallymounted receptacle having a panel of absorbent material for contact with the articles to be supplied with adhesive, said adhesive-supplying device being moved to inoperative position by engagement of the articles therewith.

15. In a label-attaching machine, an adhesive-supplying device comprising a pivotally-mounted casing having a panel of absorbent material for contact with the article to be supplied with adhesive, said panel being free to yield outward under the weight of the adhesive in the casing, said adhesive-supplying device being moved to inoperative position by engagement of the articles therewith.

16. A swinging adhesive-supplying device in the form of a casing having in one of its walls a yieldable panel formed of an absorbent material, and means for forcing articles thereagainst and effecting movement of the casing to inoperative position.

17. A swinging adhesive-supplying casing movable from its normal positionsolely by engagement therewith of the articles to which adhesive is to be applied, and having in one of its walls a panel of absorbent material, and means for directing articles against the panel and effecting a wiping or scraping of the edges of such articles against the panel, thereby to remove adhesive material therefrom.

18. In a pipe-labeling machine, a label-magazine, a pipe-mandrel, a slide carrying the same, and a gripping-jaw mounted on the slide and adapted to engage the pipe.

19. In apipe-labeling machine, alabel-magazine, a pipe-carrying mandrel, a slide supporting the mandrel, gripping-jaws carried by the slide, and stationary cams or guides for closing the jaws on the pipe.

20. In a pipe-labeling machine, means for supplying labels to the pipes, a casing within which the labeled pipes are received, said casing having an opening in one of its side walls, means for stopping the movement of the pipes in alinement with the opening, and means for directing a jet of fluid through said opening and into contact with the label.

21. In a pipe-labeling machine, the combination with means for attaching labels to the pipes, of a chute to which the labeled pipes are delivered, a cylindrical casing with which the chute communicates, said casing having an opening in one of its side walls, a revoluble wheel arranged within the casing and having peripheral pockets for the reception of the pipes, means for stopping movement of the wheel and presenting successive pipes in alinement with the opening, and means for directing a jet of air through said opening.

22. In a pipe-labeling machine, the combination with a frame, of a slide mounted thereon, mandrels carried by the slide, pipe-gripping jaws also carried by said slide, means for actuating said jaws, label-magazines arranged at opposite ends of the frame, means for feeding the labels to the magazine, adhesive-supplying de ices carried by the frame, chutes into which the pipes are delivered, cylindrical casings with which said chutes communicate, revoluble wheels arranged within said casings, each casing having an opening in one wall, means for directing air-jets through said openings, a rock-shaft, a lever mounted thereon and connected to the slide, means for operating said lever, a pair of shafts connected to the wheels, oppositely-facing ratchet-wheels mounted on said shafts, a pair of pawls movable longitudinally into engagement with said wheels, and means for connecting the pawl to the rockshaft.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto afiixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

GUSTAV CHRISTIAN SIEM.

WVitnesses:

JOSEPH F. KAHMANN, G. A. SoHUTz.

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